Liquid-heater.



E. H. ROUSSEAU.

Lloun HEATER.

APPLICATION FILED MAR- 5, i914.

Patented Apr. 20, 1915.

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E. H. ROUSSEAU.

LIQUID HEATER.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 5. |914.

Patented Apr. 20, 1915.

THE NORRIS PETERS CO.. PHOWLITHO.. WASHNGTUN, DV CA E. H. ROUSSEAU.

LIQUID HEATER.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 5. |914.

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EDWIN H. ROUSSEAU, OF NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA.

LIQUID-HEATER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 2U, 1915..

Application filed March 5, 1914. Serial No. 822,575.

T0 all whom t may concern Be it known that I, EDWIN H. ROUSSEAU, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of New Orleans, in the parish of Orleans and State of Louisiana, have invented a new and Improved Liquid-Heater, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a liquid heater and evaporator, more particularly to a device of this nature which is especially adapted to boil or evaporate heavy liquors such as concentrated sugar solutions; and its principal object is to provide means for causing a positive circulation of the fluid being treated, whereby a uniform mixture is secured.

To accomplish the object stated, this invention consists in a liquid container, of any desired longitudinal section, but preferably having at some point along the length thereof a portion of relatively greater cross-section than the cross-section of another portion, together with means for applying heat to the various portions, more heat being preferably applied per transverse unit of area to the portions relatively nearer the wall of the container than to those portions nearer the middle line, whereby the outer portions of the liquid are caused to flow up along the wall of the shell and then inwardly, and the upper layers of the liquid are caused to flow from the portion of small cross-section to the portion of large cross section, and the lower layers of liquid are caused to flow from the portion of large cross-section to that of relatively small crosssection.

The invention further consists in means for deflecting and directing the natural currents whereby a more rapid mixing of the liquid than would otherwise result, takes place.

It further consists in the novel details of construction shown and described and particularly pointed out in the subjoined claims.

1n the drawings, Figure 1 is a side elevation of one embodiment of my invention, parts being broken away to show the interior construction. Fig. 2 is a section on the line 2 2 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a section on the line 3 3 of Fig. 1, parts being broken away. Fig. 4 is a section on the line 4 4 of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a section on the line 5 5 of Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is a section on the line 6 6 of Fig. 2. Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic vertical section showing the flow of liquid.

Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic horizontal section for a like purpose.

Similar characters of reference refer to like parts throughout the several views.

In the embodiment shown, the device comprises a cylindrical shell, largest at the central portion, formed of an intermediate section l and the end sections 2 and 3a that may be-united by the flanges 3. Preferably but not necessarily, the shell tapers uniformly from the center of the intermediate section to each end, and the intermediate section may have attached thereto the charging pipe 4, the discharge pipe 5 and the vapor escape opening 6, which may lead to any desired form of suction apparatus. The front and rear ends of the shell are closed, respectively, by the covers 7 and 8 that may be secured to the flanges 9 on the end sections 2.

The front cover 7 (Figs. 1, 3 and 5) may be provided with the radial stiffening ribs 11 and may have openings therethrough for a gland 12 in which a well known form of sampling rod 13 is inserted, and for the usual inspection windows, thermometers, vacuum gages and syrup testers, the locations depending upon the character of the liquid treated. lThe cover 7 also has formed preferably integral therewith on each side of center a series of manifold chambers 14, that may be independently fed with heating fluid from a main 15 through the medium of the feed pipes 16 and valves 17. The manifold chambers are preferably inclined downwardly from both sides in the manner shown, and each connects to a series of longitudinal heating tubes 18 that extend rearwardly, the rear ends of each of the various sets of tubes terminating in a manifold chamber 19 (Figs. 1, 2 and 6) that is mounted to slide longitudinally in the shell, thereby providing for expansion and contraction of the tubes. The manifolds 19 may be joined in a single casting as shown, and each is preferably provided with a condensation pipe 21 at its lower end and with an air pipe 22 at a higher point. rlhe pipes 21 and 22 may extend rearwardly through the glands 23 that are secured to the rear cover 8, and

`each of the air pipes may terminate in an air relief valve 24 of well known form, whereas each of the condensation pipes may be provided with the valve 25.

It is to be particularly noted that the portion of the cover 7 which forms the dividing wall between the manifolds 14 and the interior of the shell is to be formed of a good heat-conducting metal; also that the man1- folds 19 are to be formed of a good heatconducting metal. 1n this manner more heating surface is provided at the ends than at the center, the effect of which is hereinafter indicated. In Figs. 2 and 3 the tubes are shown banked near the sides of the shell in two groups, thereby forming a relatively large unobstructed mixing chamber 27 whose upper portion flares outwardly in either direction.

Supported upon the brackets 30, or otherwise, at one or more points in the length of the shell, are the deflecting plates 31, preferably in pairs, and a plurality of pairs of plates being mounted in each end of the shell. .Each of the deflecting plates is perforated to allow movement of the tubes 1 8, that pass therethrough, and each plate 1s spaced from the bottom of the shell, and adjacent plates are also spaced from each other.

The plates areso secured to the shell that they'incline inwardly toward a plane passing transversely through the middle of the shell from their lower edges and from the lines of their attachment to the shell, as shown in Figs. 1, 7 and 8. It will be understood that while these plates are desirable, they are not necessary to cause the proper circulation of the liquid around the groups of tubes. It will be understood that the defiecting plates may also act as supports for the intermediate portions of the tubes 18.

Operation: The shell is filled with liquid up to any desired level and steam or other heating medium is admitted to the manifolds 14, preferably up to and including the last one whose highest tube 18 is submerged. Theyolume of liquid surrounding the tubes per unit 'of length is less at theV ends than in the center of the shell, and the depth of liquid over the heated tubes at the sides of the shell is less than at the longitudinal center. At the same time a greater amount of heat is delivered per unit of length at each of the end portions of the shell than at the central portion because of the added heating the manifolds 19.

Consequently, when heat is applied, it is greatest where the volume of liquor is relatively small as compared with the relatively large volume unaffected by the heating surface of the tubes 18. There is a rapid displacement of the liquid surrounding the tubes and consequently, an induced flow from the bottom of the container laterally upthe sides to the top of the heated zone and then inwardly to the middle of the container, that is, to the space relatively unaffected by the'heat. Here the liquid will flow down as indicated by the arrows in Fig. 4, and then out laterally again. When this area of the back of the manifolds 14 and of apparatus is employed for evaporating syrups, a decided depression occurs along the longitudinal center of the container, the sides of the surface of the syrup being much higher. The movement of the syrup is quite rapid, and is not dependent upon the baille plates.

In addition to this movement in a transverse plane, there is a strong tendency set up for the upper portion of the liquid at the ends of the container to iiow toward the transverse 'center as indicated by arrows in Fig. 8, and here again, the inward flow from the sides will cause a thorough mixing while the liquid descends along a central longitudinal plane before again flowing outwardly up the sides of the shell. The plates 31 will assist in directing the flow from the sides toward-the middle of the shell, that is, toward what may be termed the mixing chamber, because in it, the larger portion of the intermingling of the liquid necessary for the production of a uniform product takes place.

By referring to Fig. 4, it will be noticed that the line A-A divides the tubes into two groups of which that outside said line is the larger. It will also be seen that the amount of liquid outside of this line is very much smaller than between this line and a central vertical line. This results in a much more rapid heating of the liquid near the wall of the container and much greater velocity of iiow upward. As a result, the liquid between the groups of tubes flows down as indicated by arrows in Fig. 4. This insures against overheating and most effective heat transmission by the tubes. The rapid circulation causes the removal of bubbles, as every portion of the contents of the container comes to the top at very short intervals.

y It will be noted that the embodiment of my invention shown in the drawings comprises an inclosure having an enlarged substantially unobstructed portion in the form of the mixing chamber, a constricted or rcduced portion at either end of the shell, means in the form of pipes and manifolds for applying heat, and means in the form of inclined plates for deiiecting and guiding the currents .set up in the liquid contents of the inclosure whereby a thorough mixing results, although these plates may be omitted, if desired.

Many changes may be made in the detail of construction without departing from my invention. For example, the manifold 1.9 and back cover S may be discarded, in which case the rear ends of the tubes may be received in another cover plate and manifold similar to the parts shown at the front of the device. And while I have shown a vapor escape opening 6 that may lead to a suction apparatus, it is obvious that in some instances the heating may take place under atmosphericpressure. l do not, therefore, wish to be limited except as indicated by the claims.

l claim:

1. A liquid heater comprising a container having a portion of relatively small crosssection, a portion of relatively large crosssection, and means comprising tubes extending longitudinally of said portions for supplying heat to the contents of the container, and means whereby a natural current is set up between the portions of different crosssection to cause an intimate mixing of the liquid.

- 2. A liquid heater comprising a container having a portion of relatively section, a portion of relatively large crosssection, and means comprising tubes extending longitudinally of said portions for supplying heat to the contents of the container, said means being arranged to supply a larger quantity of heat per unit of area of the container to the portion of small crosssection than to the portion of relatively larger cross-section, whereby a natural current is set up between the portions of different cross-section to cause an intimate mixing of the liquid.

3. A liquid heater comprising a container, a cover for the front end of the container, manifolds adjacent to'the'cover, means for supplying a heating mediumrto the manifolds, a series of longitudinal heating members leading rearwardly from each manifold, manifolds joining the rear ends of the heating members of a given series, whereby heat may be supplied to the liquid in the container to establish currents therein, and

deflecting members for directing the currents set up in the liquid toward an intermediate portion of the container to cause an intimate mixing of the liquid.

4. A liquid heater comprising a horizontally disposed container, the cross-sectional area of the central portion of which is greater than that of the end portions whereby an enlarged mixing chamber is formed, a closure for one end of the container, a manifold adjacent to the cover, means for supplying a heating medium to the manifold, a series of longitudinal heating members leading from the manifold toward the other end of the container, a second manifold for joining the other ends of the heating members, whereby heat may be supplied to heat the liquid and to cause a circulation thereof between the end portions and the central mixing chamber, said last-mentioned manifold being slidable longitudinally of the container to compensate for the expansion rand contraction of the heating members, and a deflecting member arranged for directing the flow of the liquid into the mixing chamber.

small cross-l 5. A liquid heater comprising a container of substantially circular cross-section, the diameter of the central portion being greater than the diameter of the end portions whereby an enlarged central mixing chamber is formed, a cover for the front end of the container comprising a series of manifolds, means for supplying a heating medium to the manifolds, a series of longitudinal heating members leading rearwardly from each manifold whereby heat may be supplied to the liquid in the container, and a series of deflecting plates for directing the current set up in the liquid into the mixing chamber to cause an intimate mixing of the liquid.

n. A liquid heater comprising a container of substantially circular cross-section, a

Y, cover for the front end of the container comprising a series of manifolds, means for supplying a heating medium to the manifolds, a series of longitudinal heating members leading rearwardly from each manifold, manifolds joining the rear ends of the heating members of a given series, whereby heat may be supplied to the liquid in the container to establish currents therein, and a series of deflecting plates for directing the currents set up in the liquid toward the middle of the container to cause an intimate mixing of the liquid.

7. A liquidlieater comprising a tubular container, closures for the ends thereof, manifolds at one end of the container, said manifolds being inclined downwardly from the vicinity of one side of the tubular container toward the longitudinal central plane of the container, means for supplying heating medium to the manifolds, said means being so arranged as to supply the heating medium to one of the manifolds independentlv of another, a series of longitudinal heating members leading rearwardly from each manifold, a manifold joining the rear ends of the heating members extending frcm each front manifold, and means for draining the rear manifolds.

S. A liquid heater comprising a container of substantially circular cross-section, the diameter of the central portion being greater than the diameter of the end portions whereby an enlarged central mixing chamber is formed, a cover for the front end of the container comprising a series of manifolds, means for supplying a heating medium to the manifolds, a series of longitudinal heating members leading rearwardly from each manifold, a manifold for joining the rear ends of the heating members of each series, whereby heat may be supplied to heat the liquid and to cause a circulation thereof between the end portions and the central mixing chamber, said last mentioned manifolds being slidable longitudinally of the container to compensate for the expansion and contraction of the heating members, and a Y series of deflecting plates for directing the flow of theV liquid into the miXing chamber.

9. A liquid heater comprising a container having` front and'rear ends, closures vfor the ends of the container, one of the closures comprising Aa manifold, said manifold being inclined downwardly and transversely from the side of the container, a series Iof longitudinalheating tubes leading rearwardly from the manifold, and a second manifold ,connecting the rear ends of the tubes whereby the liquid'may be heated and a circulation setup, causing theliquid to flow from the bottom ofthe container upV along its sides, then inwardly to the middle of the container and `then down to the bottom.v

'10; liquid heater comprising a container having ends of the container, one of the closures comprising agroup of manifolds at each side of the vvertical central plane of the closure, said manifolds being inclined down- 4vwardly and inwardly from the side of the container,

means for independently supply- `:ing heating fluid tofeach manifold, a yseries of longitudinal heating tubes leading into thefcontai'ner fromeach manifold, and a second series of manifolds receiving the opposite ends of ytudinally of thecontainer to compensate for expansion and contraction of the tubes, and means for relieving the last mentioned manifolds offair and water, the whole arrangement being such that a circulation is set up around the groups of tubes and down between them.

11. A liquid heater comprising a container having front and rear ends, the crosssection of the container being Vappreciably ylarger at one point than at others along the length thereof whereby an enlarged mixing chamber isformed,closures for the ends of the container, one of the closurescomprising a series of manifolds, said manifolds being inclined downwardly and inwardly from the side of thev container, means forjindependently-supplying heating fluid to each manifold, a series of longitudinal heating tubes leading into the Ycontainer from each manifold, and a second series of manifolds receiving the opposite ends of said tubes and slidable longitudinally of the container to compensate for expansion and contraction of the tubes, and means for mentioned manifolds of air and water, the whole arrangement being such that a-circulation is set up between the mixing chamber `and the portions of less cross-section, and between the mixing chamber and the region near the sides of thecontainer, and a series ofl deiiecting plates inclosing and support ing intermediate portions of the tubes for directing the flow ofthe liquidV into the mixing chamber, saidrplates so mounted that they-incline inwardly toward a plane pass front and'rear ends, closures for the j said tubes and slidable longirelieving the lastY ing transversely through the middle of the shell from their lower edges and from the lines of their attachment to the shell.

12. A liquid heater comprising a container of substantially circular cross-section, covers for the ends of the container, conduits for feeding liquid to and removing it from the container, the latter being also provided with a vapor escape opening, one of the ends of the container comprising a manifold, a series of heating tubes leading inwardly therefrom, means for supplying ieating fluid to the manifold and the tubes, a second manifold joining the inner ends of thevtubesand being longitudinally slidable in the container to allow for expansion and contraction of the tubes, means for allowing the escape of air and water from the second manifold, said means passing through the wall of the container, the whole arrangement being such that a Jositive circulation is set up in the container up along the wall of the container, then inward and then down along the middle portion of the container, and a deflecting plate for directing the flow of the liquid into the mixing chamber.

18. A liquid heater comprising a con` tainer of substantially circular cross section, covers for the ends thereof, downwardly and inwardlv inclined manifolds at one end of the container, a series of pipes to supply a heating medium to the manifolds, a series of longitudinal heating members leading rearwardly from each manifold, a manifold joining the rear ends of the heating mcmbers extending from each front manifold, and means for draining the rear i'nanifolds.

14. A liquid heater comprising a container of substantially circular cross-section, c'oyersfor the ends thereof, and means for applying heat comprising a series of tubes arranged .in a longitudinal plane that includes a chord of the circle, said chord being inclined from one side of the heater downwardly and inwardly toward the vertical plane passing through the center of the heater, and intersecting said plane at a level below that of the axis of the heater.

15. A liquid heater comprising a container of substantially circular cross-section, covers for the ends thereof, said heater being arranged with its aXis substantially horizontal, and means for supplying heat to the contents of the container, said means being arranged in a plane that includes a chord of the circle, said chord being inclined from one side of the heater douf'nuf'ardly and in wardly toward the vertical plane passing through the center of the heater, and intersecting said plane at a level below that of the axis of the heater.

1G. A liquid heater comprising a conta ier of cylindrical cross-section, covers for the ends thereof, means for applying heat substantially throughout a segment of the cylinder for a portion of the length of the cylinder, the chord of the segment being inclined from one side ot the heater downwardly and inwardly toward the vertical plane passing through the longitudinal axis ct the cylinder.

17. fr liquid heater tainer' of cylindrical cross-section, covers for the ends thereof, means for applying heat substantially throughout a segment of the cylinder for a portion of the length oi the cylinder, the chord or the segment being inclined trom one side oi' the heater downwardly and inwardly toward the vertical plane passing through the longitudinal axis oi:a the cylinder, and means for directing currents set up in the contents of the heater in a predetermined channel.

18. A. liquid heater comprising a container of cylindrical cross-section, covers 'for the ends thereof, means tor applying heat substantially throughout a segment of the cylinder 'for a portion of the length ot' the cylinder, the chord of the segment being inclined from one side of the heater downwardly and inwardly toward the vertical plane passing through the longitudinal axis ot the cylinder, and means for directing currents set up in the contents of the heater in a predetermined channel, part ofthe channel extending substantially longitudinally ot the container.

19. A liquid heater comprising a substantially horizontal container ot tubular cross-section, covers for the ends thereof, means for applying heat to a portion 'of the length of the container, said means being arranged to apply the heat internally of the container and largely at the side, whereby the central longitudinal portion of the container is rendered free for the circulation of liquid in the container, and means for directing the flow oit liquid in a predetermined channel.

20. A liquid heater comprising a substantially horizontal container of tubular cross section, covers 'for the ends thereof, means comprising a confor applying heat to a portion of the length of the container, said means being arranged to apply the heat internally of the container and largely at the side and bottom, whereby the central longitudinal portion of the container is rendered free for the circulation of liquid in the heater, and means jfor directing the flow of liquid in a predetermined channel.

2l. A liquid heater comprising a substantially horizontalccntainer having a portion oit relatively small cross-section and a portion of relatively large cross-section, closures for the ends of the container, means for applying heat to a portion or the length ot the container, said means being arranged to apply the heat largely at the sides and bottom of the container, whereby the central longitudinal portion of the container is rendered tree for the passage o'l an upper current ot liquid from the sides of the container inwardly and from the portion of relatively small cross-section to the portion of relatively large cross-section.

E22. i liquid heater comprising a substantially cylindrical horizontal container having a portion ot relatively small cross-section and a portion of relatively large crosssection, closures ior the ends of the container, means forapplying heat to a portion of the length of the container, said means being arranged to apply the heat largely at the sides and bottom of the container, whereby the central longitudinal portion of the container is rendered free tor the passage of an upper current of liquid Jfrom the sides of the container inwardly and from the portion of relatively small cross-section to the portion of relatively large cross-section.

ln testimony whereof l have signed this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

EDWIN H. ROUSSEAU.

Witnesses:

S. d. SATTERLEY, F. W. SHOTWELL.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, ID. C, 

